TEHRAN, Iran, Nov. 22
Trend:
Iran's approach and policy in maritime trade are changing, a spokesman for the Iranian Shipping Company told Trend in an interview.
The country's policies in the maritime sector during past decades have been cross-sectional and damaged some industries that faced water shortage in the current era, Ali Ghiasian noted.
The Supreme Leader has obligated officials to revive maritime capacities by focusing on industries in Makran coasts. The first phase of Shahid Beheshti port with 8 million tons storage capacity was the new approach, he explained.
The continuation of new phases would transform Chabahar into an effective port in the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, he indicated.
International cooperations and regional agreements such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization can form capable maritime transportation.
Iran's permanent membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is beneficial for the transportation sector, Ghiasian noted.
Iran can become a focal point in cargo transit in the International North and South Transportation Corridor and Iran's East-West Transit Corridor. Ports and shipping in the north and south of the country would be vital and generate a multi-billion dollar revenue from transportation.
The Ports and Maritime Organization's statistics show 140,000 maritime certificates were issued for mariners, and there is a large capacity for creating jobs in the shipping sector.
Iran shipping Company is the largest commercial fleet with 150 vessels that could hire experienced mariners in international maritime fields.